"VAN" (Sports Desk - 22.11.2025) :: As we inch ever closer to the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season on 9 December, we are excited to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players and coaches from the world’s top hockey nations participating in the “League of the Best”.
This series will dive into the minds of the sport’s finest athletes and coaches, uncovering their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals, and the strategies their teams are crafting to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide a unique glimpse into the passion, preparation, and drive that fuel the teams vying for glory.
In today’s interview we speak with Janneke Schopman, coach of the German women’s hockey team...
What makes the FIH Hockey Pro League so appealing to you?
The ability to play high quality matches in a competitive setting.
What are your ambitions for your teams in the upcoming season?
We want to build on our performance this summer. We were very inconsistent last season and aim to play good and competitive hockey and compete with the top teams in the league.
What will the preparation look like?
The players came out of the Bundesliga a couple of weeks ago. We have a training camp ongoing with our U21 team, then we will travel to Argentina in early December.
Who are the opponents you consider to be on a par with you and who you need to beat in the ‘high profile’ matches?
The women's teams are all very closely matched except for the Netherlands. We play to beat any team, which will be very difficult but possible with more consistency and a focus on improving our own game every game.
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